Materials Scientist - Process Optimization & Supplier Collaboration

Jobtailor; Widnes; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in Widnes, United Kingdom, seeks a Materials Scientist to lead raw material diagnostics, supplier collaboration, and process optimization for polycrystalline wool production. You will link material chemistry to process behaviour and support both UK and US operations.

You will troubleshoot variability, maintain material specifications, and drive continuous improvements with manufacturing and quality teams, including on-site and remote technical support across sites.

Qualifications

• Degree (BSc minimum, MSc or PhD preferred) in Materials Science, Ceramic Engineering, or related discipline
• Strong grounding in inorganic materials, ceramics, fibres, or high-temperature materials
• Experience working in a manufacturing or industrial materials environment
• Proven hands-on experience supporting production, troubleshooting processes, and improving operational stability
• Experience working with chemical raw materials, formulations, and process recipes
• Prior exposure to supplier technical management or external technical collaboration is highly desirable
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with a practical, manufacturing-focused mindset
• Ability to link material chemistry and properties to process behaviour and product performance
• Excellent communication skills, capable of working effectively with operators, engineers, suppliers, and management
• Willingness to travel regularly to Buffalo, USA
• Comfortable working on factory floor as well as in lab/office environments

Responsibilities

• Develop a deep understanding of incoming raw materials and supplier variations
• Act as the technical interface between the company and suppliers on material chemistry
• Support supplier audits, technical reviews, and improvement initiatives
• Establish and maintain material specifications and quality controls
• Lead investigations into raw material changes and their impact on process
• Provide day-to-day technical support to manufacturing operations
• Analyse process variability across materials, recipes, batching, fibre formation, and downstream processing
• Implement improvements to operational efficiency, yield, waste reduction, and process capability
• Document material and process knowledge to support standardisation and best practices
• Travel to Buffalo, USA for on-site support

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Problem Solving

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science

Job description

Jobtailor in Widnes, United Kingdom, seeks a Materials Scientist to lead raw material diagnostics, supplier collaboration, and process optimization for polycrystalline wool production. You will link material chemistry to process behaviour and support both UK and US operations.

You will troubleshoot variability, maintain material specifications, and drive continuous improvements with manufacturing and quality teams, including on-site and remote technical support across sites.